I wasn’t sure how I would feel about training with Maria when I was first given the opportunity – I mean really, who wants to train next to a fitness model and PUMA Ambassador for heaven’s sake? How to give yourself a body complex!
I met with Maria first so she could get a better understanding of my goals and what I was trying to achieve, plus the various injuries I’ve incurred over the years which was obviously going to make a difference to the methods she used. While Maria was learning all about me, it gave me a chance to learn all about her and by the end of the meet I was totally convinced of two things: 1. this lady knows absolutely everything about her profession, 2. I was really going to enjoy working out with her. And I wasn’t wrong.
The first session, feeling a bit shattered, I was delighted to find that Maria didn’t bounce in like a glamorous Energiser bunny. Yes ok so she looked fab, but she was clutching her coffee and apologising for not being able to get going without it… you’ll get no arguments from me there! Each session started with a warm up on the treadmill but that’s pretty much where the traditional gym equipment ended. I was then subjected to a varying number of lunges, squats, loose weights, step-ups and various other things I’m not sure have a name. She’s definitely inventive! Maria demonstrated each movement carefully making sure I got it exactly right and correcting me if I fell out of alignment while I was doing it. She would rather see 10 perfectly executed squats than 30 rubbish ones.
A big believer in visualisation, Maria is convinced it helps her clients to achieve the body they are looking for if they have a picture in their mind of how they want to look. This could be a picture of you in the past, a friend/relative or a celebrity. Either way, by focusing on what you want to look like can help you get there. This is part of the reason why, even at 7am in the middle of summer, she looks as fab as she does - her hard work, grit and determination give you something to focus on. I was aiming for long and lean, slim but strong and Maria was going to get me there!
Never once over the two-month sessions did I struggle with any of my injuries (the most serious being an old but healed fracture to my neck which causes all sorts of back and shoulder problems). I never left a session in pain and Maria watched me like a hawk, saw any potential problems before I felt them, checked with me constantly and adapted anything as needed immediately.
What were the results?
Within the first week of training with her I really thought I could see a difference, and that was confirmed when hubby (who had been on a trip) came back and said “wow she’s really making a difference!” Two months later and I’ve lost 3.5 kilos (healthy eating plan provided), centimetres from around my legs, arms and stomach and, more importantly, I’m looking much tighter and much more toned. More importantly, for me, is the fact that I really enjoyed my sessions both with Maria and one of her other trainers - the sessions are always varied, fun and effective. I’m definitely keeping my sessions up after the summer as, for the first time, I can actually see the value of having a personal trainer.
How much?
Sessions are priced at Dhs 500.
Call 04-4520194 or visit www.missfitness.ae for more information. -L. C.